Inside Athletics

Georgia College President Dr. Dorothy Leland
and Dr. Bruce Harshbarger, Vice President for
Student Affairs announced the hiring of Wendell
Staton as Director of Athletics in the summer of 2009 for
the University's now-11-sport Division II athletic department.

Staton came to Georgia College from UNC Pembroke, in Pembroke,
N.C. where he has served as Associate Vice Chancellor for
Advancement since 2005.

"We're delighted to have Wendell joining us to lead our
Athletics program," said Dr. Harshbarger. "He brings an unusually
broad background in collegiate athletics, community leadership and
university advancement work, and all of those skills will be
important assets that will benefit the future of GCSU
Athletics."

Prior to his work in the advancement office at UNCP, Staton was
the Director of Recreation and Parks in Lumberton, N.C. for three
years. He served at UNC Pembroke as a coach and lecturer; headed up
the golf program, served as men's basketball assistant and taught
in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation program from
1996-2002.

Staton earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990 from St.
Andrews Presbyterian College, and added a Master of Edu
cation degree from Georgia College in 1993.

"I would like to thank Dr. Leland and Dr. Harshbarger for the
opportunity to lead the Georgia College & State University
Athletic Department," said Staton. "As an alumnus and former member
of the coaching staff, I have great affection for the University
and Milledgeville. My family and I are excited about joining the
community."

Staton is no stranger to Georgia College athletics, having
served as a men's basketball assistant coach from 1991-93 under
head coach Mark Simons. He coached at Armstrong Atlantic State
University, Elon University and Campbell University.

"Georgia College has been a model of consistency on and off the
playing field," added Staton. "I look forward to working with the
faculty, staff, community, alumni and friends, student-athletes,
and coaches as we strive to continue the success and rich tradition
of Bobcat Athletics."

Staton becomes just the sixth Athletic Director in the 40-year
history of Georgia College Athletics. He takes over a program that
won the 2008-09 Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Commissioner's Cup, the
all-sports trophy for excellence on the playing field. Georgia
College is perennially one of the top academic institutions in the
league as well, and placed 92 student-athletes on the coveted PBC
Presidential Honor Roll in 2008-09. Staton brings to Georgia
College a great familiarity with the conference having worked at
PBC-member institutions for 16 years.

Staton is married to the former Yvette Renaud. Their children
are Ellen, a Georgia College student and Charlie.